Usman Khawaja refuses to speak to SEN during West Indies Test, reportedly over Peter Lalor's axing
Usman Khawaja has refused to speak to radio broadcaster SEN after day one of the first Test against the West Indies in Bridgetown.
It has been reported the Australia opener's decision was in response to SEN standing down cricket journalist Peter Lalor earlier this year over pro-Palestinian social media posts.
Lalor, covering the West Indies series for his Cricket Et Al podcast, said he was grateful for Khawaja's support.
"Usman is a man of principle whose support I valued greatly when I was dismissed and whose ongoing support I appreciate," he said in a statement.
Cricket Australia has been contacted for comment.
Khawaja was a vocal supporter of Lalor after he was let go by SEN during Australia's Test tour of Sri Lanka.
"Standing up for the people of Gaza is not antisemitic nor does it have anything to do with my Jewish brothers and sisters in Australia, but everything to do with the Israeli government and their deplorable actions," Khawaja wrote on Instagram.
"It has everything to do with justice and human rights. Unfortunately hatred towards the Jewish and Muslim community will always exist.
"Pete is a good guy with a good heart. He deserves better."
Khawaja has made several statements on social media and tried to do the same on the field in the past.
The 38-year-old was banned by the ICC from displaying the message "All lives are equal" and "Freedom is a human right" on his shoes during a 2023 Test against Pakistan.
He opted to wear a black armband and tape over the messages on his playing kit.
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